NDC Nat’l Leader, Seriake Dickson’s Longtime Security Aide Dies In Abuja Road Crash

Former Bayelsa State Governor and National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has announced the death of his longtime security aide, DSP Zamani Tanko (Rtd), following a fatal road accident in Abuja.

Dickson disclosed that Tanko, a retired police officer who served Nigeria for 35 years, died after sustaining severe injuries in a collision involving his vehicle and a truck.

In a statement expressing grief over the tragic loss on Thursday, Dickson described the late aide as more than a staff member, saying he had become a brother and an integral part of his family during over 15 years of dedicated service.

“It is with deep sadness that I announce the sudden passing of my beloved departed aide DSP Zamani Tanko (RTD), who over the years has become a brother and member of my family,” Dickson said.

According to the former governor, he received a distress call on the morning of the accident informing him that Tanko had been involved in a crash in Abuja and had lost consciousness.

“Yesterday morning, I received a sudden call that he was involved in an accident having appeared to have collided with a truck in Abuja. He became unconscious and was rushed to the hospital,” he stated.

Dickson explained that aides immediately moved the injured officer to the National Hospital, Abuja, where emergency medical interventions were initiated. He said he personally rushed to the facility upon receiving the news and ensured that urgent treatment was provided.

“My aides rushed to the scene and took him to the National Hospital. I rushed there myself after I was informed. We made arrangements for prompt medical treatments which were offered, but unfortunately, after surgery by a team of surgeons assembled to bring him back to life, we received a call later that afternoon that he could not make it,” he said.

The former governor noted that the loss has left his family and staff devastated, describing Tanko as one of his most dependable aides and a cherished family member.

“I, my entire family and members of my staff have been devastated since this call,” Dickson lamented.

Paying tribute to the deceased, he praised Tanko’s loyalty, humility and commitment to duty, both as a police officer and as a member of his personal staff.

“On behalf of my family and members of my staff who are all mourning, we thank Zamani Tanko for his loyal, faithful and dedicated service to our country and his humble and loyal service to me in the past fifteen years,” Dickson said.

He added: “He had become not only one of my most trusted aides but also a trusted family member. He was fondly called ‘Uncle Zamani’ by my family members who right now are devastated as a result of his passing.”

Dickson offered prayers for the late aide’s family and pledged to work closely with them to organise a befitting burial.

“I pray God to comfort his wife, family and grant his soul eternal rest as we work with his family to give him a befitting funeral,” he said.

The former governor also acknowledged the outpouring of support he has received since the tragedy.

He revealed that former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, visited him and his family shortly after learning of the incident.

“Yesterday evening upon hearing the sad news, I received our presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, who visited and spent time consoling me and my family,” Dickson stated.

He also thanked NDC National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, for leading a delegation of party officials to condole with him, as well as veteran politician Buba Galadima for his visit.